Alleluia Newsletter

October 2008

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From Our PPC Session
Session Digest
Stewardship Ministry Update
Focus on Fellowship
Preschool News
Financial Secretary's Report to Session: September 15, 2008
What's Happening in the Youth Group
Pasadena Presbyterian Women
World Communion and Peacemaking Offering
Discipleship: Christian Education
Children's Church
"If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get Out of the Boat"
Join Us Wednesday Nights, 7:00 PM
This May Sound Corny
What is a Life Group?
Life Groups
Bring Your Kids to Join Discovery Club October 8th
Who Benefits from Stephen Ministry?
Sunday Worship Attendance
What's New at PPC

From Our PPC Session:

Dear member of our PPC family,
Your Session is excited about where God is leading Pasadena Presbyterian Church.  At our retreat last Saturday (9/20) we felt God has great things in store for us and we’d like to share them with you, our church family.

God showed us from His Word our purpose or vision statement from John 15:8--

“My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit,
and show yourselves to be My disciples.”

God wants us to glorify Him by our worship and praise.  He wants us to bear much external fruit by making disciples and bear much internal fruit of the Spirit:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self- control (Galatians 5:22).

God blesses us at Pasadena with groups of His people where we can learn the skills and gain the knowledge so we can all bear much fruit together.  We want to share our excitement about what God is doing and encourage you to prayerfully consider joining with us in ministry including these new ones:

• LIFE Groups
• Kid’s Discovery Club
• New Sunday School Classes
• 8:30 Service Praise Chorus
• Stephen Ministry

Churches don’t have vibrant ministries unless members have ministries.  We desire every member to be passionate about their ministry.  We are learning that the body of Christ should be an organism, not an organization (Ephesians 4:16).

How does God want you to glorify Him?  How can you bear much fruit and make disciples?  Talk with your elder shepherd to find out.  We pray that you will join with your fellow members of Christ’s Body in love as each part does its work.

Yours in Christ,
Your Elders

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Session Digest: August 26, 2008

The meeting was opened with prayer by the Moderator. Elder Gonzalez, using some words of Charles Swindoll based on the book of Esther, offered some thought-provoking words on “waiting”.

The following items were considered, discussed, and/or approved.
A half day retreat will be held on September 20 or 27.
Various minutes were approved.
Pat Springborn decided not to move her membership; so her transfer was rescinded.
The financial report indicated that PPC was in the black.
The outdoor circuit box will be replaced on an upcoming Saturday.
A brief time to introduce new Sunday school classes will be held at both services 9-7-08.
A recent gift of $10,000.00 was given to Faith Promise so the remainder of the missionary budget for the year could be achieved.
The part time handyman position will soon be filled.
An annual audit for 2007 will be done.
The resignation of Michael Cahill was accepted with deep regret and sincere appreciation for his excellent service.

The meeting closed with a season of prayer.

Larry Oline, Clerk

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Stewardship Ministry Update

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV)

We Need YOU!!!

We have many needs in the church for your time and talents.  Are you handy with a hammer, screwdriver, paintbrush or shovel?  Are you available to help set up church facilities for church functions?  We need you!  “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”  1 Peter 4:10.  Please speak with your elder-shepherd or contact the church office, 345-0148.

If you have any suggestions or questions about Stewardship matters, feel free to contact a member of the ministry. We thank you for your support as we work in all things for God’s glory.

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Focus on Fellowship

Family Night Dinner & 52nd Anniversary on Wednesday, October 8 at 6:00 PM.

There is no Covered Dish Dinner in October.

NEW PRICES FOR THE FAMILY NIGHT DINNERS:  $6 PER PERSON AND $15 PER FAMILY.

Come celebrate Pasadena Presbyterian’s 52nd anniversary and experience the sounds of Praise Chorus.  Praise Chorus, a new ministry, came singing onto the local scene at 100 Pasadena Avenue on August 17th!  Praise Chorus was created so that those who love to sing and have a heart to serve the Lord could come together and make wonderful music to worship God.  If you have not yet had the opportunity to have your ears tickled or at least blessed by this newest group, come to our Family Night Dinner for an opportunity to hear praise music and sing along!

A special menu: 

Homemade Minestrone Soup
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Garden Salad
Garlic Breadsticks
Assorted Desserts

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We are looking for Family Night Coordinators.  Family Night Dinners are held on Wednesday nights four times per year and we depend on volunteer coordinators for the success of these dinners. Coordinators are generally responsible for  recruiting volunteers to help make beverages, dress the tables and cleanup. Coordinators also make sure that monthly flyers/menus are made in time to be inserted into the Sunday bulletins. You can volunteer to be a coordinator by contacting Threse Hammond at 344-0223.

Threse Hammond, Fellowship Chair

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Preschool News

September has been a wonderful month at your preschool ministry. We have 85 children enrolled this year. We have one opening in the VPK class. The children at Sonrise have all settled into their daily routine and are having fun learning about how wonderfully God has created them.  We have been learning about our body parts, our five senses, and the gift of family and friends.  We had a special Grandparents day celebration.  The Grandparents joined the children in the classroom and it was a very special time. We had pet week and the children learned about God’s creatures and how we must be respectful of them and of all life that God has given to us. Great Explorations brought their animal exhibit to the school and the children had a first hand experience with God’s creatures.

We are blessed to have the opportunity to work with Kathie Schellhass this school year in providing supplies for the kits for the homeless. The children have been taught by their teachers about the people who need their help, and the parents will bring them to the store to pick out the items. The children will place the items on an ongoing basis in a bin outside the preschool office.

I thank God for the wonderful Christian staff that we have here at the preschool ministry. Their love and care for the children and their families is evident each day. As we begin our school year, please join me in praying that the seeds that are being planted here each day will grow to give glory to God. May God continue to bless you and your families.

Laura Woodard, Preschool Administrator

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Financial Secretary's Report to Session: September 15, 2008

The Financials for August show actual income $25,505.52 with expenses of $30,655.56 leaving us $5,150.04 in the Red. 

Emergency repairs to Chapel roof in August were $5,448.00. Contribution income for the roof was $294.96 over operating expenses.

Cash Reserves              $ 101,092.34    

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What's Happening in the Youth Group

Wow! This past month has been awesome! The youth went to ROCK the UNIVERSE and we had a great time. Between the leaders and our youth, we had a group of 25 go to Orlando. We left on Friday afternoon and arrived at Universal in time to see the first bands performing. The youth had a great time riding rides and listening to the bands. We stayed at a great hotel (Hampton Inn) and everyone really enjoyed it.  We ate breakfast together and headed back to Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios for another fun-filled day with more awesome Christian Bands, Jars of Clay, Jeremy Camp and Third Day. On Sunday we had awesome Praise and Worship service at Universal Fear Factor Stage area then the groups left the park and headed home.  We have also been working with our Youth drama team and look forward to performing during worship service soon. At this time, we are preparing for our Monthly Servant Project.  We are looking forward to October calendar for Our Harvest Lock In, October 10th-11th.  Any youth interested see Rob, Brenda, Leslie, Jason or Barbara.  It should be fun time for all.

Thank You and God Bless

Rob Taylor   Volunteer Youth Leader

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Presbyterian Women: Activities for Month of October

NO COUNCIL MEETING THIS MONTH

Circle Meetings:
Monday, October  6th at 10:15 a.m.                  PW Communion at the Springs                      
Monday, October 13th at 7:00 p.m.                   Rachel Circle – Fellowship Hall
Tuesday ,October 14th at 10:00 a.m.                Esther Circle -  Doris Entreken’s Home
Tuesday, October 14th at 10:00 a.m.               Martha Circle –Boswell Room 
Tuesday, October 14th at 12:00 noon               Ruth Circle – Beverly Cole’s Home
Tuesday, October 21st at 7:00 p.m.                   Lydia Circle –Room 204 

Circle Duties for  October & November:
October: Flowers – Ruth Circle and  Bulletin Board –Rachel Circle
November: Flowers – Esther Circle and  Bulletin Board – Martha Circle.

We had a very good program on September 13th.  Liz & Dave Cabot shared with us their work in Nicaragua and the upcoming assignment that God has directed them to go to Costa Rica.  Also, Liz gave her testimony which was very awesome.  Also, at this meeting, we installed Pat Drucker as Vice Moderator for our Presbyterian Women.  We have been praying for quite some time for God to send us someone who would be interested in leadership.  Pat approached me several weeks ago and we praise God for answered prayer!

More exciting news!  In a few weeks renovation of the kitchen will begin.  Thanks to the generosity of Ruby Bortz in her bequest, the women have agreed to pay for the refurbishing of the cabinets and counter tops.  The floor also will be done, thanks to those who donated to the wish list.

Upcoming Dates & Events:
November 7th – World Community Day (CWU)
November 16th – PW Thank Offering Worship Service & Luncheon
April 27-29, 2009 – Spring Retreat @ Dayspring in Ellenton
July 11-15, 2009 – Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women in Louisville, KY

In His Service,           
Patricia Watts, Moderator

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World Communion and Peacemaking Offering

On Sunday, October 5, we will be joining hearts and hands with Christians around the world in the celebration of World Communion, the Lord’s Supper around the world. Just imagine the millions of God’s people who will be coming together as one, to break the Bread and drink from the Cup of Life  while the sun’s light travels around the world from East to West !!

That same Sunday is important to us Presbyterians who pray for the blessings of the Prince of  Peace, for it is also the occasion of the Peacemaking Offering.  The theme for the 2008 Offering is, “Break the Bread of New Creation.”  Congregations retain 25% of the   offering to further peacemaking programs within their communities; presbyteries and synods receive 25% for the same purposes on a wider geographic scale; and the General Assembly dedicates 50% to worldwide efforts in responding to the HIV/AIDS pandemic,   teaching skills in making peace within communities and with the earth; and in supporting  human rights and economic justice.

Reaching out from here in Pinellas County, we can make a difference.  We can help bring the Bread of New Creation—peace in Christ—to a  suffering world.

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Children's Church

Children's Church has gotten off to a great start!  October's worship services will center around the book of Genesis.  The children will learn about God's compassion and redemption and His plans for the Messiah that began at creation. "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."  Genesis 3:15
Children's Church is a worship service designed specifically for children in kindergarten through grade 5.  The children are dismissed from the Sanctuary during the 8:30 service each Sunday, with the exception of Communion Sunday.

Leslie Hughes

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"If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get Out of the Boat"

All are invited to be part of a Sunday School class titled, "If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get Out of  the Boat." The first session began on  Sept. 14th. The six- week study will include a DVD series along with  the book written by John Ortberg.  A taste of the class is found on Page 83:  "Most of us have an area that might be called our "spiritual comfort zone," which is the area where we feel most comfortable trusting God. When God calls  us to go beyond our spiritual comfort zone, we begin to feel nervous and uncomfortable.  We would prefer not to go outside the zone until we feel better about it."  Bob Chick will facilitate the class.

  --Bob Chick

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Join Us Wednesday Nights, 7:00PM

The Bethel Bible Study, facilitated by Sergio Gonzalez, will continue in the Boswell Room.

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This May Sound Corny...

The average cob of sweet corn contains about 800 kernels and is a good source of vitamin C, according to the Dole Food Company. While the church library isn't a good source of vitamin C, you could get well over 800 kernels of wisdom from the books it has! Get a taste:

The New Unger's Bible Dictionary: With more than 6,700 entries, this book has "complete coverage of people and places of the Bible...(and) has been carefully revised with the most up-to-date archaeological, geological and theological research...(and yet is) readable and clear," (book jacket)

What the Bible Is All About Bible Handbook by Dr. Henrietta C. Mears (NIV edition). Over 4 million are in print. Dr. Billy Graham states that she is "one of the greatest Christians I have ever known." She is the founder of Gospel Light, which is a church curriculum publisher.

For Children:

The Pumpkin Patch Parable "illustrates how a loving farmer can turn a simple pumpkin into a simply glorious sight. In the same way, God's transforming love can fill each of our hearts with joy and light. Liz Curtis Higgs created this parable as a way to share the Good News with her own ...children each harvest season. . .," according to a review in Amazon.

How God Gives Us Apples by Mary LeBar, charming illustrations show God's handiwork.

Halloween: Is It for Real? by Harold Myra, president of Christianity Today, Inc., "teaches a Christian view of Halloween by presenting it as a holiday on which to celebrate God's victory over evil and evil spirits." card catalog description

Picking Apples and Pumpkins by Amy Hutchings, beautifully photographed story of a family who go on an outing to pick apples and get pumpkins.

Laurie Smith,
Librarian

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What is a Life Group?

How can Pasadena Presbyterian feel like a Family to you? One of the best ways is to join a LIFE Group. LIFE Group is exactly what it sounds like. A small group of people who meet in homes or at the Church, and are interested in LIFE! WHO CAN ATTEND? ANYONE! Couples, Empty Nesters, Singles, Retirees, Young Adults…..you get the idea.

LIFE Groups are where you will…….

1. Find Encouragement and Affirmation
2. Create fun Fellowship in Christian Faith
3. Develop a circle of Friends willing to share your happiness and sorrows
4. Learn even more about God
5. Deepen your personal Faith in Jesus
6. Discover LIFE!

These Groups are about making a connection with your Family in Christ. Discover the strengthen and courage to get connected with your brothers and sisters. LIFE is waiting………..God is answering.

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Life Groups

Two groups meet Sunday evenings 7-8:30pm-—at the Pilkington home (397-8487) and at the Treleaven home.  One group meets Thursday evening 7-8:30pm at the Gonzalez home (343-8008).  The fourth group is led by Larry and Alma Oline (344-8783) and meets at the Church on Thursdays from 2-3:30pm.  Please call the hosts for details. All groups are studying Be Complete, a guide for Colossians by Warren Wiersbe. Study Books and Informational Brochures are available in the Church Office. Attend a group that works for you!

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Bring Your Kids To Join Discovery Club October 8th

Surprises, hands-on experiences and great memories will begin Oct. 8th at 6:45pm for kids in Kindergarten through fifth grade as Pasadena Presbyterian begins the new season of Wednesday night opportunities for children.

Using a Bible-based curriculum, teachers who love Jesus and delight in teaching kids will help students toward a growing relationship with the Savior. Awards, games and fun will be part of the process. A reward will be offered to those who bring a friend!

A great line-up of rotating teachers has signed up but we can always use helpers and other teachers who want to be involved.

Call Dave Pilkington (397-8487) or Donna Crawford (368-5588) for more details.

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Who Benefits from Stephen Ministry?

On Sept 21st we commissioned our newest Stephen Minister, Terry Odom. 
Who Benefits from Stephen Ministry?

People Who Need Care . . .

• Receive quality, Christ-centered, confidential care for their hurts and needs
• Find hope, healing, and a new sense of self-worth through the support of a Stephen Minister
• Know they are remembered and supported by their congregation in times of personal difficulty
• Receive ongoing care for continuing needs long after the onset of a crisis, when many others have forgotten about them
• Grow in a deeper relationship with their Lord as they experience God's unconditional love for them through their Stephen Minister

Members of Our Church Family . . .

• Discover, cultivate, and use the spiritual gifts they have been blessed with
• See themselves as active partners in the mission and ministry of the church
• Find all aspects of their lives enriched by the distinctively Christian caregiving skills they learn and practice
• Experience great joy as they see God working through them to bring hope and healing to a hurting person
• Grow spiritually as they experience the Lord's loving presence in community with other Christian caregivers

Our Community. . .

• Discovers that many members want to be involved in meaningful ministry and will respond to the call to become a Stephen Minister or Stephen Leader
• Becomes a more loving community that is more sensitive and responsive to people's needs for care
• Is able to provide more quality Christian care, so that fewer people slip through the cracks
• Is able to reach out to the unchurched who are hurting and introduce them to the healing love of Jesus in their time of need
• Sees itself as not only being served by the pastor, but as a caring body of believers actively involved in serving one another in love

Please consider becoming a part of this ministry by:  Praying for its continued success; becoming a Stephen Minister by joining the next class or by encouraging people who are "Lonely, Sad, Discouraged" to consider accepting a Stephen Minister's care.

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Sunday Worship Attendance

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What's New At PPC

Happy Anniversary PPC!

Please come join us on October 8th for another opportunity to experience Lucio and Sherry’s creations, celebrate Pasadena Presbyterian’s 52th anniversary, and experience the sounds of Praise Chorus. 

Praise Chorus

Praise Chorus, a new ensemble helping lead worship in our 8:30 a.m. Contemporary Service, needs you. If God is speaking to your heart to join us in fresh expressions of faith in songs of worship, come and see how God can use your Heart for Praise.   Praise Chorus rehearses every Thursday from 6:15 to 7:30pm. You can contact Carol Pilkington, at 397-8487, for more information or to sign up!

Ronald McDonald House

You are invited to participate in preparing and serving lunch at the Ronald McDonald House here in St. Pete! On Saturday, November 1st, PPC is signed up for lunch at 12 noon.  If you are interested in donating food or supplies or serving, please contact Pam Levering by October 16 at  727-346-0108!!!!

By the Way......have you ready BY THE WAY yet?

Why should you?

Your $10 donation to Pasadena Presbyterian Church brings you a unique reading experience while supporting the
Haiti Missionary.

What can you expect from BY THE WAY?  Be prepared to be inspired, enjoy a few laughs, be serious.
or perhaps get misty-eyed.

BY THE WAY....
--Authored by our member, Ginny Rhoades
--is a good bedside reading companion
--makes an ideal gift for any occasion
--works well for group presentation, reading, discussion
Pick up one in the Church Office Today!

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